Grover Hot Springs

Megan Brindle

Absolutely beautiful. I recently revisited this place and it was just like how I remembered it when I was a kid. I used to go to school in Alpine County when my mom worked for a local attorneys office and we came here often. Today, yes, it is reopened from the fire. If you want to visit please make a reservation online! You have to plan it at least two weeks in advance or more. I think they take walk-ins, but I wouldn’t risk it. You also have to pay an $8 parking fee, but it’s also access to the whole state park, not just the pool/spring. The rangers are all super friendly and fun to chat with. Jen was very sweet and even offered to spare some water because I forgot to bring some and I was feeling faint from the temp differences when I was getting out of the spring. Please bring bottled water or at least a cup! They have a water-dispenser available. They have bathrooms and showers, so also bring your own towels. I recommended coming in with your swim clothes on. Sessions are 1.5hours, but always welcome to leave sooner. No food or drinks, but they will allow you to exit and re-enter if you want to go out to your car or eat, etc. They also have cubbies to store your items. Thank you CA State Parks preserving this sacred, Native, land.

Carrie Kabat

Great spot for a soak in a pool fed by a natural hot spring! I love to go here in the winter when the cold air provides a nice contrast to the hot water. Be sure to make a reservation in advance (has to be at least 48h) to ensure you get a spot. The reservation fee does not include parking, which is free if you have a CA state parks pass but $8 if not. There are two pools, one hot and one cool. The water in both pools is lightly treated, the hot one with bromine and the cool one with chlorine. No smell from either pool though (of sulfur or chlorine). The park that the pools are in is located in a gorgeous valley that in the winter is surrounded by snowy mountains and meadows. The lifeguards are very friendly and knowledgeable! There are simple but functional and clean women’s and men’s changing rooms with one shower and one bathroom each. There is also an outdoor shower, and a drinking water fountain. I brought my kids who are 6 and 4 and the pools are big enough that the kids were able to play and have fun in one area without disturbing other bathers.

James Trek

The hot spring pool opens Thur-Sun all year around. The booking system is tricky. Try a date between 3-14 days. We booked the slot 3:30 - 5 PM on Sunday 9/22/24. I was the only one on the list. But when we got there it was a full pool (40 limit). The pools are well maintained.The temp in the hot pool was comfortable if your feet are not around the spray. The pool side has some yellowish stuff. A few people were skittish about it. It is likely due to iron /silica mineral deposit by sulfate, hydroxide or oxide or algae. The pool is drained daily after closing. So it should not be a problem. The water gives a great feel during and after. This could easily be the most reasonable hot spring in California at $10 for entrance and $10/person for 1.5 hr. We camped in Grover park after soaking. The campground is a great facility with large sites and clean restrooms. It was pretty empty, 1/3 filled of the 1 site opened. The night was peaceful. Stargazing is a joy! We took a short hike the evening and next morning. The forest scenery is average due to previous fires. The meadow looks wonderful during sunrise.

Elisabeth Shen

Hello travelers, we’ve been going to Lake Tahoe for years and never knew about this state park! It’s a wonderful place to visit after hiking and kayaking in and around Lake Tahoe! We love that this hot spring is controlled and clean! You do have to make reservations for a time slot that works for you! There are two pools, hot and cold, two outdoor showers, bathrooms and drinking water! There are seat benches that surround both pools and lifeguards too! After your soak, take a one mile hike round trip to the meadows outside the hot springs, beautiful and serene! What a way to end your day!

Angelina Sorokin

I made reservations for a June site in February of this year and when the weekend came I was so excited! Everything lived up to my expectations 💛 Gorgeous area a short drive from Sacramento! The family and I enjoyed the hot springs (which heads up you have to make reservations for online at least 24 hours in advance and then get tickets printed at the check in kiosk, or stand in line the morning of at the kiosk to make reservations) The pools were enjoyable and the surrounding nature was lovely. There was a very cold creek near our site that was perfect for some cold plunges. Stars were bright and we saw some shooting stars which were memorable. The nearby small town had an interesting historical museum that I enjoyed in the drive back! Excited to visit again in the colder months!